Bridging Borders, Bridging Barriers: Artificial Intelligence for Dental Education

The rapid convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and Assistive Technologies (AT) is transforming education, especially its accessibility and inclusivity. This commentary resulted from a think-tank during a colloquium of academics and practitioners from Europe, Africa, and North America, who came together for two intensive days of keynote presentations, thematic panels, and collaborative workshops to examine AI's promise in healthcare education. Participants highlighted three interwoven themes: employing universal design principles to AI-driven learning experiences; balancing innovation with digital equity; and crafting policy frameworks that encourage adoption while guarding against algorithmic bias. Yet significant hurdles persist-ethical dilemmas around data privacy, bias in machine learning models, and a digital division between resource-rich and resource-poor groups and countries. To address these challenges, the following recommendations emerged: foster interdisciplinary research partnerships, establish transparent AI governance structures, and invest in scalable assistive technologies. Ultimately, continued international collaboration is needed to ensure AI becomes a force for narrowing, not widening, educational disparities-and to secure a future where accessible learning is a reality for all.